Logistics UK reminds Scottish Government to invest in logistics infrastructure and skills

Alexandra Herdman, Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK said: “Over 10,000 logistics businesses trade in Scotland, and 7.8% of the country’s workforce is employed by the sector.

“Logistics is one of Scotland’s largest employers and is responsible for contributing £7.8 billion to Scotland’s economy, as well as enabling Scottish exports, with drink, machinery and fish and shellfish topping the list.

“To maintain this growth and Scotland’s ability to compete internationally, the Scottish government needs to develop a freight and logistics plan that ensures key freight transport corridors are maintained.”

The transport projects that should be focused on include completing the planned dualling of the A9, dualling of the A75 and investing in the A77 to enhance links between Northern Ireland and Scotland. To improve links between England and Scotland, the A1 should also be dualled.

Alexandra Herdman added: “Investment in transport corridors should be informed by Logistics UK’s analysis of which routes are the most crucial for logistics flows, and which are in most urgent need of improvement. Ultimately, investing in key road corridors will reduce congestion and emissions, and rail and maritime infrastructure will make modal shift more economically viable.”

Logistics UK is also calling for a freight and logistics strategy driven by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and a Scottish Logistics Council.

“To drive sustainable growth, we’re asking for the next Scottish government to work with our sector on designing and developing a comprehensive freight and logistics strategy,” Ms Herdman concluded.